The 17th meeting of the season yesterday was made up of eight races with the Premier Class event, staged on a short distance of 2,140m, being the highlight of the afternoon as Rodney Gatt finished the best driver with three wins.

Twelve horses lined up for the top race. It was Belafonte (Julian Farrugia) the fastest at first, opening a half-length’s lead from Magic de Assigny (David Ellul) and Baloo Nalan (George Attard).

However, with 400m to go the race pacesetter ran out of steam and in the straight for home Belafonte was overtaken by Simb Mark (Noel Baldacchino) which cruised to its second win of the year ahead of Olympien Major (Anthony Spagnol) and Of Course Ramble (Eric Bezzina).

Belafonte had to settle for fourth place as Simb Mark clocked an average time of 1.15.7” per kilo-metre.

In the only Gold Class race of the afternoon, XRay Hornline (Rodney Gatt) stormed ahead of the field in the last 200m metres for its first win at the Marsa racetrack, easily three lengths ahead from Udice Boko (Tony Cauchi) and Paleo de la Dives (Sam Cassar).

Meanwhile, Cheeky Jack (Charles Vella) shot out of the gates in a flat race and held the lead despite the challenge from Henderlik (Demis Zammit).

Darielli (Ramon Grima) was third in front of favourite Kimberley Downs (Michael Sultana).

Also yesterday, jockey Ramon Grima was presented with the best driver/jockey award for the month of March.

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